Utility Trailer?

[Redterpos3]

I am in the market for a enclosed cargo utility trailer (moving some children from college to the real world over the next few years). I'm looking at ones that are 6x10;6x12 and one that is 7x16. I've tried to find info on pricing for these such as you might find for cars, rv's etc., but can't seem to find info on these. Does anyone have any idea where I might find such info. I'm looking at prices and they all come in a similar ballpark, but am wondering about differences between MSRP and actual sales before I offer a price on some of these. Thanks for any info you may have!

[Redterpos3]

Update: I've decided to rent a trailer for 6 weeks. It will cost $780, but only need to move stuff into trailer once, and then take trip from PA to Maine and unload up there. I probably won't need a trailer afterwards so I don't need to buy one. I only wonder if I had bought one if I could sell it later, and get out for less than what I will be paying. I figure it will be worth it not to have to do the work of selling it later. Thanks to all who gave your 2 cents!!

[NJRVer]

If you are ever planning a trip to GA, they are the cargo trailer capital.
I have a 6x12 tandem, 12" extra height, 16" framing, and paid a little over $2500 about 4 years ago. Couldn't touch it here for less than $5000.
Wife was bugging me to take a trip to Savannah, so I worked it into the trip.
If you go with a ramp remember that you now need an extra 7' or so of parking length to use it.

[Oaklevel]

Go on Pro Line Trailer sales web site they give prices Can give you an idea of what the costs are..... Usually the dealers around here do not deal much if any on price for new enclosed trailers. 6 x 12 about $2000, 7 x 16 about $3000. They have about 100 trailers on there lot & more than one lot in different states. We have probably 5-10 trailer dealers within a 50 mile radius of here (Roanoke Virginia area) & at least one trailer factory / manufacturer

Keep in mind all trailers are NOT made the same, some are poor quality some are ok & some are built very well. I have a 1980 5x8 enclosed trailer built by FRUEHAUF with the same quality that their tractor trailers are built for a rental fleet. I have bought most of my utility trailers used. Usually from some one that doesn't need one any longer. Looked at a homemade enclosed trailer that had fence posts as part of the frame (I did not buy it).
I missed out on two used car haulers that sold as repossessions at $1000 each.

As far as insurance the tow vehicle covers the liability when connected to the trailer but the trailer can have its own insurance for theft/ collision / comp. but usually not required.

Good Luck !!!!

[JimBollman]

If you buy new I highly recommend the drop ramp door on the back instead of barn doors. The ramp doors are much more versadial for use and will give you a better resale value if you decide to get rid of it after your current needs have passed.

[mike_mck]

Craigslist is your friend.

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/cph/for/4455979055.html

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/for/4452326217.html

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/wvl/rvs/4445028197.html

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/nph/cto/4458195214.html
Lots of options out there.
As to insurance you might want to check with your insurance agent. I rented a Uhaul one time and my insurance covered any damage I did with it but not the trailer it'self. Not sure that's true if you own the trailer.

[wa8yxm]

Many places I see that sell trailers also make them.. Since they are made to order you must contact them for price.. Two places I know of that sell or have in the past sold, them "Off the shelf" as it were

Sears

And Harbor Freight

[APT]

Check out Cardinal Sales for some really good prices on factory pickups of new enclosed cargo trailers. The web site isn't the best. My father in law bought a Southwest 7x14 tandem axle rear ramp door 11 years ago from them. Easy transaction, great trailer. It was worth the 3 hour drive for him as even local dealers were selling for $4500-5000. Some of the brands have factories in PA.

[Gonzo42]

I was looking at Wells Cargo, and also the Yuppie Wagons, but I didn't find any bargains. We wanted a small trailer to carry a trike and other misc cargo.

[nevadanick]

I paid $2300 for my 6x12 a couple years ago. A little higher now but still negotiable. http://www.trailersplus.com/California/Lodi/6-Wide-Cargo-Trailers

[Redterpos3]

mlts22 wrote:
Crankyape might be a place one might try looking for a used unit. Disclaimer: Caveat emptor, and you might have to drive a ways to fetch it.

That's a new one for me! I'll check it out, thanks! More research:B I actually love doing the research, and all the "figuring" with my calculator at my right hand always.

[OldRadios]

I have an open trailer and an enclosed (6x10) with a rear and side door. I paid $2300 for the enclosed trailer from Tractor Supply about three years ago. I happened to mention to the store manager that I was looking for an enclosed trailer and he had one new one he wanted to get rid of as he usually only sold open utility trailers so he reduced the price. NY registration on mine is about $22 a year with a $6 annual inspection. The car insurance covers the trailer so a policy for the trailer is not required.

Since you are not going to use it much I suggest you look on Craig's List for a used one. Might save you quite a bit over buying new.

[tatest]

We must be in a different market here, discounts beyond 20% are fairly common here at trailer dealers, and if you shop at the hardware or the farm and ranch supply, the price will be fixed (when buying singly) but often 10-15% below MSRP, even lower during seasonal sales.

E.G. 7x16 tandems listing $5000 to $8300, selling for $4100 to $6300
6x12 tandems listing $4000 to $6000, selling for $3500 to $5000
6x12 single axle listing $2800 to $6000, selling for $2400 to $5000

These are all at the Tulsa outlet of Trailers Plus, a regional manufacturer with factory outlet dealers. There are a lot of other brands out there, covering economy market to premium market, and there really are some big differences between a $3000 6x12 and a $6000 6x12, capacity and weight of construction. A 6x12 can be an 800 pound trailer with under 3000 GVWR and lights skin, or it can be a 2000 pound trailer with 7000 GVWR, plywood-lined inside and several full-length tie down rails in the floor and each wall. The cheapest 1/2 ton or 1-ton 6x12 at Lowe's or Tractor Supply is going to be a long way from being a 2 1/2 ton 6x12 Wells Cargo.

Thus shopping online, box size alone is not enough to tell you whether price you are quotes is for something comparable or something quite different. Middle to top of market cargo trailers are comparable to national rental units, made for years of constant use. You might want to be shopping the bottom end of the market, if load capacities meet your needs.

[Dutch_12078]

Redterpos3 wrote:
Insurance I had forgotten about, another cost!

I don't know how it works in PA, but in NY, my regular vehicle insurance also covers any non-commercial utility trailers I tow.

[Redterpos3]

woodgeezer wrote:
You have hit the prime time to sell, so the prices are going to be right up there.

Yeah, you have a good point there! Thanks to everyone! Good to know the prices I'm seeing are right in the ballpark. I do have a place that rents some of these also, but for the time I need it, the cost would be about 1/2 of buying one.